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Where Should the Secretary Make Her Final Official Visit?

During her tenure, Secretary Rice has traveled over one million miles in 88 days to 83 countries (as of September 2008). Secretary Rice has said, “There is no greater honor than representing your country; it’s the best job in government.”

Where should the Secretary make her final official visit? Why?

Comments

Comments

David

|

Utah, USA

December 12, 2008

David in Utah writes:

I want to thank Secretary Rice for the honorable and distinguished way that she has represented this country. I encourage her to visit Mexico as a final visit, emphasizing the importance of our relationship to that country. In future years, we need to strengthen this relationship and many Mexicans look to the U.S. for many reasons.

Ron

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New York, USA

December 17, 2008

Ron in New York writes:

Guantanamo

Abu Ghraib

Rwanda

Kosovo

Uganda

Zimbabwe

Donald

|

Virginia, USA

December 12, 2008

Donald in Virginia writes:

12 December 08

HONORABLE DOCTOR RICE SECRETARY OF STATE LAST VISIT...

Pick a country that the United States has never been or had relations with and make that the most wonderful experience by bringing our Country values to them. Open the doors to people who never had the chance to communicate with us Americans. It would almost be like the days of Columbus who sailed the seas looking for new lands. Bring gifts and warm thoughts, our beliefs and customs. Above all bring the HEART OF AMERICA to them! This would be more memorable that visiting a country that you have already visited and it would be fruitful!

WARM REGARDS,

DONALD

John

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Greece

December 13, 2008

John in Greece writes:

Space! Only outer space can underline the message that Dr. Rice has been not only a "Columbus", but also an "Astronaut" teaching global diplomacy without frontiers.

It may sounds romantic, but it's true: Only outer space! She traveled almost everywhere and if she had the "miles offer", she certainly would enjoy lifetime free flying through her bonus. Donald in VA, through his suggestion, described my view far better than me: She "opened the doors to people who never had the chance to communicate with America, she looked for new lands, she brought gifts and warm thoughts, U.S.A. beliefs and customs ã she traveled the HEART OF AMERICA everywhere".

So, only a space view of the earth, through her eyes, can be her "final" visit as long as we are waiting from her more future political service in what area she decides.

P.S. According to my knowledge, there is a private company in NM that can arrange this space flight. I would also have on this First Class passenger fly list, Mrs Hillary Clinton, in order for me to underline --for one more time -- what really America is: Ideas. Democracy. Future.

Otherwise, (back to earth) I would certainly vote for Donald's GREAT suggestion WITH A VIEW!

Syrian P.

|

Syria

December 13, 2008

SNP in Syria writes:

NIBIRU, tell them things are really going bad down here.

Donald

|

Virginia, USA

December 13, 2008

Donald in Virginia writes:

13 December 08

@ John in Greece -- Thanks John, how do I get a first class seat on space travel? Too funny!

I honestly believe Dr. Rice will be an attribute of what can be done with the right skills. A woman, a Doctor with many talients and she continues to impress people around the world.

Well Done! (Bravo Zulu)

May God Bless Miss Condi and give her the wisdom to move in the right direction in future! I thought she stood up very well in those congress hearings. I wish her all the best and good luck in all that she does in life!

If anyone hasn't noticed I'm also still looking to advance my career opportunties. So whispering outloud saying, "If anyone knows of a position that can help our Nation, "I'm the guy for the job!""a piece of duct tape and ink pen" is my nickname from a tv sitcom years ago. Guess Who!

I will never tell! Ha Ha Ha!

Godspeed everyone, Peace, Harmony, Goodwill and above all be Happy over the Holidays!

Edite

|

Canada

December 13, 2008

Edite in Canada writes:

It would be the greatest thrill of my life to sit down over a cup of tea or coffee and discuss the travails people of the world experience in their daily struggles to survive. To discuss the unscionable aspect of human behavior which propels some individuals and totalitarian governments to inflict pain, suffering and brutal murders upon its own citizens or those of other countries. How to deal with the massive human rights abuses people the world over endure and how they manage to retain a spirit of hope for the future would be of great importance to discuss. We could explore the absolutely amazing role America has played in guarding the flame of freedom and generosity, keeping it alive and how America has continued to give hope to so many around the world.

One would wish to thank Secretary Rice and America for her incredible journey around the globe and the sound , insightful, discerning, knowledgable way that she has dealt with many difficult circumstances in spite of continued obstacles she has had to surmount. One would love to learn how to maintain a constant diplomatic presence and demeanor in the face of extraordinary pressures and personal wishes to behave in an undiplomatic way.One would like to learn how to really talk softly yet carry a big stick at the same time. Has Secretary Rice used body language to discern intent of opposing factions or to impart intentions? Does it work?

Would love to hear her play a classical piece or two on the piano, her very favourite pieces. Her life story would be a fascinating one to hear from her personally. Given the fact that she would have preferred to be Provost at Stanford University, did Secretary Rice ever experience a vague desire to return to her first love instead of her position as Secretary of State? What would have been her most difficult negotiating experience with any power on earth? Who did Dr. Rice feel great antipathy toward and why? How does she view the role of Russia in the future and does Dr. Rice have grave concerns about the path Russia has embarked on, propelled by Putin and Medvedev, to establish a greater presence in the Western Hemisphere with its ties to Hugo Chavez and Venezuela? In spite of diplomatic efforts stating America is not concerned about Russia's naval exercises with Venezuela, do concerns still exist? Should Americans and Canada be concerned about their machinations. As one who has fought all of her adult life ( since my mid-teens) to lobby politicians, countries, even a stint in Austria, seeking freedom, religious rights and extrication of the Soviets from the Baltic States, it would be a real blessing to converse with Secretary Rice about how she views the future of the region there. Will Russia abstain from re-occupation of the Baltic States, given its deplorable incursion into Georgia this past summer into Abkhaziz and South Ossetia where they still retain an illegal presence?

While the likelyhood of Secretary Rice ever coming to the smallish town of Barrie to meet with a perfect stranger who admires her work greatly, I just could not resist the temptation to write, a once in a lifetime event should it ever happen.

Anjolie

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Texas, USA

December 13, 2008

Anjolie in Texas writes:

I vote for Russia.

Mahdad

|

Mexico

December 14, 2008

Mahdad in Mexico writes:

My warm greetings to the Secretary of State H.E Condoleezza Rice,

In my Opinion with regards to the U.S. Commitment to the Annapolis Process in general and particularly the devotion made by Secretary Rice to end the Arab-Israeli conflict, She might make her final official visit to Israel and Palestine.

More Power to her elbow.

Susan

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Florida, USA

December 14, 2008

Susan in Florida writes:

Great Britain, to thank them for being our strongest ally and friend. Then back home to the U.S. to appear before the American people to thank them for their patience, their steadfastness, and their continual support for a foreign policy that has caused a great divide between our country and the rest of the world. Secretary Rice's recent efforts to repair our position around the world is appreciated and I admire her courage. Let's hope that her efforts are not too little too late. I wish her well.

Donald

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Virginia, USA

December 14, 2008

Donald in Virginia writes:

14 December 08

UNITED KINGDOM WOULD BE A GOOD CHOICE

I could give it a vote!

Ulrich

|

Germany

December 15, 2008

Ulrich in Germany writes:

Zimbabwe: To show US support for a nation suffering under a cruel dictatorship, even if there is no oil at stake (her own ethnic origin maybe even adding to her credibility there).

He told her that he would not keep himself in power for ever. He lied! He changed his promise!

He told her that he will help Democracy come to "town". Now he is changing the law again hoping to become President for another 8 (who knows how many) years! He lied again!

Do you see a REAL reason why the Secretary of State should meet a liar AGAIN?

P.S.: Donald in Virginia, I will vote once again for your initial suggestion. But I also give a second vote to UK and... space!

Eric

|

New Mexico, USA

December 15, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

The UN.

I would ask that the honorable Secretary of State call for a special session of the UNGA to remove Buma, Zibabwe, Iran, Sudan (for starters) from holding a seat in the UN for their gross human rghts violations, crimes against humanity, state sponsored terrorism (domestic and otherwise) and their failure to comply with existing UN resolutions in the Sec. council.

This can be done under the UN charter by a two-thirds majority vote of the UNGA in each case separately.

I think it is past time to force the UN to enforce it's own charter upon member states. And who better to do so than this nation that provides the UN in all its activities with 22% of its total annual budget.

This would be an extrodinarily appropriate moment to do so on the 60th aniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Let her show the world that we as a nation will not abide by the status quo, nor the soft bigotry of low expectations in any context, political or otherwise.

Thomas

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Virginia, USA

December 15, 2008

Thomas in Virginia writes:

It seems odd to me that in the last four years, the Secretary hasn't visited Darfur, considering all of the troubles there. I'm not sure of the message that would be sent by going there last, but it'd be a worthwhile place for her to go.

joe

|

Tennessee, USA

December 15, 2008

Joe in Tennessee writes:

I am afraid we are not all privileged to know what the Powers that Be have in store; but, the fact humanity still exist in the form it does now shows that somehow, somewhere, someone or some group of people do work for a greater good...All the world a Stage and we but the players!

The United Nations with a summary.

Any other visit will simply be viewed as political in nature or looked over.

A visit with Russia would only aggravate the situation; a visit with an England is not needed and a waste as with any ally we have. Visits to places of conflict will not help, nor will any visit to those in need as one administration is leaving and no commitments can be considered valid.

Just as Obama is sitting out on the Administrations finial days, the only fair and best visit would be a full United Nations seated summary including a turnover statement which she should talk to Obama and Hilery about that would continue to provide Hope for those needing it and Security for those who are attempting a democratic state as well as assureing the Solvency of the United States of America Economically in some manner.

On the World Stage, that is where...

Eric

|

New Mexico, USA

December 16, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Joe, the fact that humanity still exists and hasn't blown itself slap off the map over the last 60 years is a real good indication that in the battle between the sane and the insane, the sane are winning. At least the last time I checked....

And one must forgive Billy Shakespere for not including the line , " For all the world is also the audience, critics and pundits in equal measure as the players."

There was no mass media in his day.

Jonathan

|

Texas, USA

December 16, 2008

Jonathan in Texas writes:

I always thought Secretary Rice did a fantastic job during her tenure in this administration. I hope she keeps her promise of working with education post Secretary of State duties.

I do agree that she has traveled so much that she does not need to visit any country but if I had to pick I would say Mexico. Understandable with an economic crisis in our country that almost every issue would be put to the side but everyone seems to have forgotten the immigration problem. This problem brought a fence on the border of Texas and Mexico. I just think a general meeting about that and strengthen our relationship with Mexico wouldn't hurt. Other than that, she should kick her feet up and relax because she has done a great job.

Machiavelli

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New York, USA

December 16, 2008

Machiavelli in New York writes:

Despite the inevitable chaos that will ensue in South Florida and North New Jersey, we should establish negotiations with the Cuban government. With the incapacitation of Fidel Castro, Cuban society seems to be heading in a more democratic direction as it is. Dropping the embargo would allow the United States to do several things -- flood a globally isolated Cuban community with American culture, further ignite an already booming underground push for free elections and democracy, and force the Cuban government to finally come through on promises to improve the quality of life of its people (its excuse for not being able to do so for the last forty years has been the "bloqueo," or our economic blockade). Furthermore, given our trade policies with countries whose human rights atrocities rival those of the Communist island, the argument for maintaining the Cuban embargo has been irrelevant for a quite a while. In short, ending the embargo will serve as a catalyst for the ends the Cuban exile (and our presidents) have been demanding for half a century.

James

|

Washington, USA

December 18, 2008

James in Washington writes:

[Secretary] Rice needs to visit Kenya.

Mike

|

Minnesota, USA

December 19, 2008

Mike in Minnesota writes:

I believe that Ms. Rice should visit Canada or Mexico. They are our neighbors and it is important to me that we don't forget about whats closest to home, even when our nations attention may be focused further away.

Zharkov

|

United States

December 19, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

The United States is paying $751 million for healthcare, government pensions and salaries, school vouchers, and low-cost mortgages for the citizens of the Republic of Georgia, while US citizens are losing their healthcare, pensions, and salaries.

According to the U.S. State Department, the payout is part of a $1 billion economic aid package for the former Soviet republic that President George W. Bush approved after Georgia's disastrous five-day war with the Russian Federation in August, and Georgia's president recently admitted that he started the war. So we are rewarding the aggressor?

I don't believe the U.S. can afford any further services from Secretary Rice if this kind of reckless spending is the result.